David Sanes Rodríguez (1954 – 19 April 1999) was a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico, whose death became a rallying point for those opposed to the United States military presence on and use of his home island for live-fire bombing practice.[1] His death sparked the organization of the Cause for Vieques and a series of protests by residents and activists that culminated in the U.S. Navy abandoning Vieques.

Biography

Sanes Rodríguez was a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy, working as a security guard at the Navy's Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility on Vieques. During a night training exercise,[2] he was killed when two errant 500-pound (230 kg) Mk 82 bombs from a Marine F/A-18C Hornet fighter landed 100 yards (90 m) from a clearly identified hilltop observation post in which Sanes Rodríguez was working. Four others were injured.[3]

Known amongst his friends for his happy-go-lucky, partying lifestyle, in death, Sanes Rodríguez became a household name in Puerto Rico. His funeral received widespread media coverage, [4] including U.S. newspapers and international television networks. Sanes Rodríguez had two children that he raised as his own, named Jessica Cruz and Manuel Cruz.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Navy attributes fatal bombing to mistakes". New York Times. Associated Press. August 3, 1999. p. A12.
  2. ↑ "Errant bombs kill one, hurt four". Lakeland Ledger. (Florida). wire services. April 20, 1999. p. A6.
  3. ↑ "Bombing accident kills civilian". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). news service reports. April 20, 1999. p. 2A.
  4. ↑ "Man killed by jets mourned". Eugene Register-Guard. (Oregon). news service reports. April 23, 1999. p. 2A.


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